All Authority in Heaven and on Earth

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:18‭-‬20 NASB2020

Does Jesus command us to make disciples because “the nations” need our help? Not likely. God the Father knows what the nations need and can accomplish it all. Reread the entire passage! It starts, “All authority…” It is a passing of that authority from God, through Jesus the Son, to us, His children. Then, He sends us forth. We have our marching orders, our manifesto, and our commission (A mission we share with the King of Kings.)

How long do we have this authority and mission? Until the end of the age. Upon its completion, all will bow down. All we have to do is accept His Authority and be obedient to His commands –love God and love each other. So that we (and our authority) will be recognized (read John 14 & 15.)

Jesus doesn’t give us this command to “Lord” over us. No, the previous verse (Matthew 28:17) implies it is a response to doubt. The entire passage is Jesus’ final reassurance that we have everything we need, His authority and His person, to draw on as we become His missionaries to a world in a dark age.

Lord Jesus, please make us courageous as we exercise your authority in the realization of your Great Commission. As the army rises up from the dry bones, knit us together as a mighty force powered by LOVE, strengthened by discipline and obedience, and emboldened by your LIGHT.

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